How to Play "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic on Guitar

In this easy lesson, we'll learn how to play Counting Stars by OneRepublic. This song is not just a hit on the charts, but it also has a special place in my heart as it was a special request from my daughter. :)

Counting Stars is an upbeat, catchy song - it is a favorite among many, and we're excited to help you learn it. It's also a great song to practice the techniques we learned in Grade 2 of my Beginner Guitar Course.

Whether a beginner or an experienced guitarist, this tutorial offers something for everyone. Get ready to strum along as we break down this OneRepublic hit together.

🎙️ Playing & Singing? Read this!

Before we dive into the chords and strumming, let's talk about singing Counting Stars. This song can be challenging to sing due to its high key. If you're finding it tricky to reach those high notes, you've got a couple of solutions.

You could drop the octave for some parts of the song, making it more comfortable to sing. Alternatively, you can remove the capo from the fourth fret, which we've used to align with the original recording. This lowers the key significantly, making it easier for you to sing along.

Remember, the aim is to have fun and enjoy the learning process, so feel free to adjust the song to your comfort level. Check out this free guitar lesson to learn more about singing and playing guitar.

Counting Stards: Chord Progression

Let's dive into the chord progression of Counting Stars. This song has a simple, repetitive structure that uses the same four chords, A minor, C, G, and F, all the way through. You'll find that the simplicity of the chord structure makes it a great song for practicing chord transitions and experimenting with different playing styles.

The A minor chord is straightforward, with only one main way to play it. Transitioning to the C chord requires just a small movement of the third finger. You can play the G chord in a few different ways, so feel free to choose the one you're most comfortable with.

When it comes to the F chord, there are multiple variants you can pick from, depending on your skill level. If you're a beginner, start with a simpler version like the F major 7, and gradually work up to the full F chord. Check out my lessons on how to nail the F Chord!

Counting Stards: Rhythm

The first step in learning any song is familiarization. I recommend starting with the most basic version of the song and slowly building up from there. Begin with four down strums to the bar and work your way through the song at a pace that feels comfortable to you. This approach lets you get a feel for the chord progression and rhythm.

Once you're comfortable with this basic strumming pattern, you can start experimenting. Try out different strumming patterns, rhythms, and even variations of the chords. This creative experimentation is one of the joys of playing guitar, and it allows you to put your spin on the song.

Exploring Strumming Patterns

Now, let's look at some possible strumming patterns. You typically play the intro of Counting Stars fingerstyle, but you can also use a pick if that's what you're used to. We encourage you to experiment with patterns and rhythms to see what suits your style best.

Remember, your hand should ideally be moving in a down-up-down-up motion all the time, even if you're not hitting the strings on every movement. This continuous motion helps keep your rhythm steady and makes it easier to switch to different strumming patterns.

Making It Your Own!

One of the best parts about learning to play a song on the guitar is making it your own. Feel free to experiment with different strumming patterns, rhythms, and chord variations. You could even try adding fingerstyle sections or creating your guitar solo. The possibilities are endless, and the most important thing is that you enjoy the process.

And there you have it! A comprehensive guide on how to play Counting Stars by OneRepublic on the guitar. This song is a fantastic choice for beginners looking to expand their chord knowledge and for more advanced guitarists eager to experiment with different strumming styles.

💡 Remember, practice makes permanent. The more you play Counting Stars, the more comfortable you'll become with its chord progression and rhythm. And the more you experiment with different playing styles, the more you develop your unique sound.

I hope you've found this tutorial helpful and inspiring. Playing the guitar is all about having fun and expressing yourself, and we're excited to be part of your musical journey. Remember, there are hundreds of free songs on the website. You can search for songs by difficulty, by the chords that you know, or by the stars or the bands that you like.

Don't forget to check out the video. It provides step-by-step instructions and close-up views of the finger placements, making it easier for you to learn. So grab your guitar, get strumming, and enjoy making music with us! We can't wait to hear your version of Counting Stars!

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